Latvia 7 Day Itinerary

Latvia Travel Itinerary: 7 Days

Day 1: Arrival in Riga

  • Arrive at Riga International Airport (RIX)
  • Check-in to your hotel and freshen up
  • Visit the Old Town (Vecrīga) - a UNESCO World Heritage Site
    • Walk through the narrow streets and admire the Art Nouveau architecture
    • Visit the House of the Blackheads, St. Peter’s Church, and the Riga Cathedral
  • Enjoy traditional Latvian cuisine for dinner at one of the many restaurants in Old Town

Day 2: Riga

  • Start the day at the Central Market (Rīgas Centrāltirgus) - a bustling marketplace with fresh produce and local products
  • Visit the National Museum of Art (Latvijas Nacionālais mākslas muzejs)
    • Discover Latvian art from the 18th century to the present day
  • Take a stroll along the Daugava River and enjoy the city views
  • In the evening, explore the vibrant nightlife in the Old Town

Day 3: Sigulda (Day Trip from Riga)

  • Take a train or bus to Sigulda (approximately 1 hour journey)
  • Visit the Gauja National Park - a beautiful park with forests, hills, and rivers
    • Hike to the top of Sigulda Hill for panoramic views
    • Explore the Gutmanis Cave - a scenic cave with ancient rock formations
  • Return to Riga in the evening

Day 4: Cēsis and Valmiera (Day Trip from Riga)

  • Take a train or bus to Cēsis (approximately 2 hours journey)
  • Visit the Cēsis Castle - a medieval castle with stunning views of the Gauja River
    • Explore the charming town center with its many shops, cafes, and restaurants
  • Continue to Valmiera (approximately 1 hour journey) and visit the Valmiera Museum of History and Art
    • Discover the history and culture of Vidzeme region
  • Return to Riga in the evening

Day 5: Jurmala

  • Take a train or bus to Jurmala (approximately 30 minutes journey)
  • Relax on the beautiful beaches of the Baltic Sea
    • Enjoy water sports, such as kayaking or paddleboarding
    • Visit the Jurmala City Museum to learn about the history of this seaside resort town
  • In the evening, enjoy seafood at one of the many restaurants

Day 6: Kuldīga (Day Trip from Riga)

  • Take a train or bus to Kuldīga (approximately 2.5 hours journey)
  • Visit the Kuldīga Castle - a medieval castle with stunning views of the Venta River
    • Explore the charming town center with its many shops, cafes, and restaurants
  • See the Ventas Rumba - a natural wonder where the Venta River falls off a cliff
  • Return to Riga in the evening

Day 7: Departure from Riga

  • Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs or visiting any last-minute attractions
  • Depart from Riga International Airport (RIX)

Visa Requirements

  • Latvia is part of the Schengen Area, which means that citizens of many countries do not need a visa to enter the country.
  • Check the official government website to see if you need a visa to enter Latvia.

Transportation

  • Riga International Airport (RIX) is well-connected to major European cities.
  • Trains and buses connect Riga to other major towns in Latvia, including Sigulda, Cēsis, Valmiera, Jurmala, and Kuldīga.
  • Taxis are widely available, but it’s recommended to use licensed taxi services.

Things to Know

  • The official language is Latvian, but many people speak English, especially among the younger population.
  • The local currency is the Euro (€).
  • Latvia has a temperate climate with warm summers and cold winters. Pack accordingly.
  • Be respectful of the country’s history and culture, especially when visiting museums and historical sites.

Additional Tips

  • Try traditional Latvian cuisine, such as smoked fish, dark rye bread, and Skābeņu zupa (a sour soup).
  • Explore the many markets and bazaars in Riga and other towns to find unique souvenirs.
  • Be prepared for variable weather conditions, especially during the spring and autumn months.

This itinerary provides a mix of culture, history, nature, and relaxation, giving you a well-rounded experience of Latvia. Enjoy your trip!